New York: It’s Not You…It’s Me.

“I need you to be a little less Charlotte and a little more Carrie.”
Translation: I need you to forget for a moment that you grew up with the ultimate goal of marrying the man of your dreams while wearing Caroline Herrara, grow some thicker skin and get our client in Allure’s Best of Beauty round-up.

This might make HR squirm, but I understood exactly what my boss was saying when he gave me this professional feedback. I’d venture to say any New York PR girl has heard a personalized version of this at some point in her career.

This past week I did something I’ve been talking about for almost three years now: I booked a weekend trip to New York and since then I’ve been flooded with memories. On March 29, I’ll return to the bustling city I once called home with one of my closest friends (and also a former New Yorker). I’m going back with three more years’ life experience, a better fashion sense and a thicker wallet. When I moved away in 2009 I pictured myself visiting frequently – and until recently, I haven’t been able to narrow down why it has taken me so long to go back.

For me, New York is that relationship you know isn’t right for you, it might even be bad for you, yet for a moment in time it’s all you wanted. So maybe I haven’t completely experienced this in my own dating life (cheers for me having mostly healthy relationships), but I’ve watched enough Sex and the City episodes and seasons of The Bachelor to be able to spot this. So now, three years later I’m completely and irrevocably (Bella uses this word in Twilight, which I just watched. You're lying to yourself if you pretend to dislike this movie) in love with Atlanta – so I’m comfortable visiting my New York love affair.

I’ve always felt a strong connection to New York. And let me clarify, when I say New York – I mean the whole wonderful state. I cringe when I run into someone naïve enough to believe that New York City is all the state has to offer. Being a military brat I moved quite often, and while we did three different tours in Virginia, New York is the only place I’ve lived for five consecutive years. Before I called the Upper East Side home, I spent four years nestled in the Alleghany Mountains at St. Bonaventure University. I took weekend trips to Buffalo. And while that city will most certainly never make any “top 10 most beautiful cities in the U.S.” lists, the people there have more passion for their city, neighbors and sports teams than most could ever dream of.

 "Bonas, old St. Bonas"

But today we’re talking about New York, New York…I’m convinced had Jay-Z and Alicia Keys released “Empire State of Mind” a few months earlier I would have re-signed my lease for another year.

Things I love and cherish about my time in New York:

1.      Splurging and living in Manhattan, because this homebody was never going to go out if she had to cab it to Queens at the end of the night.

2.      Going out Monday – Friday my first few weeks living in the city. So maybe this was because I was sleeping in an empty dorm room in NYU, but it still counts. I lounged with a new friend in a park until 1 a.m. when the sprinklers came on, danced my way down 2^nd Ave and happily sat on the curb to enjoy a piece of pizza – because at 4 a.m. you don’t care how dirty that is.

3.     The first time I successfully navigated multiple subway lines. May sound so simple, but man was I proud.

4.      Calling out a cab driver for taking me the roundabout way across town during rush hour. No tip for you, Mr.

5.      A successful girls night complete with rooftop cocktails and a dance party down the Westside Highway running path.

6.      Sleeping on the couch of a guy I met two weeks prior. Don’t judge, I was homeless, living out of a suitcase and he is now one of my favorite people.

7.      The fashion – although I’ll admit that I don’t think I found my personal style until moving to Atlanta, it’s New York that my inspiration comes from. 

8.      A revolving door of friends visiting. Who cares that they might have being using me for a New York vaca. It was amazing nonetheless.

9.      New York beauty PR firm being the first job on my resume – because although I’m not a fan of the mentality that New York is the ONLY place to be, I understand my work experience there has opened some doors for me.

10.  New York taught me to love running. When everything else seemed so big and scary – running felt familiar. I learned that city by running up and down every all the safe streets in Manhattan. Central Park, I love you. I’ve yet to find a running route that rivals you.

I’ll admit that since leaving New York I’ve been able to forget all the things I didn’t love about the city, and romanticize the things I did. Sound familiar for any of you that can relate to my earlier bad for you relationship reference? I can’t wait for my weekend in New York – but I know what will make it truly sweet is knowing New York will always be there for me, but I’ll be coming home to my cute little midtown cottage in the city that truly feels like home – Atlanta.

For all my friends that found true love in New York - more power to y'all.

The above is supposed to match the below. Poetic license, it’s graffiti-esque.

Movin' On Up

This might be shocking considering I spent a year living and working in PR in the Big Apple, but my celebrity spotting number is low. Until well this past Christmas, my claim to fame was Rosie O’Donnell at a K-Mart in California and my boyfriend’s Aunt Kim. (Thank you Kelly for not mentioning this celebrity connection until after several months of dating, that would have been totally lame. Glad you were confident I'd swoon over you regardless) But why, oh why, can’t she still be married to Alec Baldwin? I would love to know how to make Schweddy Balls.

Seriously, put a wig on him and it’s uncanny. Twinsies.

Next year’s Halloween costume. Obviously, I’ll be Batman. I’m always looking for an excuse to wear leather pants.

Anyways…I digress. Basically I like to blame my lack of celebrity run-ins while in New York on the fact that I went by my day as a true “New Yorker”. Head down and unimpressed by “sparklies”. That or I had really bad luck. At my first job I did work with Keira Knightley’s hairstylist, but he made me run around the city all Devil Wears Prada-ish looking for a particular water bottle, because obviously Smart Water is for poor people.

Well kids, times are changing. This past Christmas I added another holiday party to my usual list. I traveled with Kim Basinger Kelly Basinger to the White House to be guests of President Obama and the First Lady. So for all of you that have seen this picture and questioned its authenticity – give it up. We are besties with the Prez. Seriously, Kelly drank his beer and I went back for seconds thirds at the buffet.

And super seriously, I'm so thankful to work for such an incredible organization like Points of Light. I'm so proud of the work we do - and incredibly grateful that they have given me the opportunity to work with the White House.

Oh and for all those who are wondering, Kim is just as beautiful in person as she is in the movies. Dad - I'll really try to keep Kelly entertained with me long enough for you to be able to see that for yourself. Anyways, I know, disappointing to many of you that hope celebrities are strugglin’ without airbrushing. I am, however, very thankful for the Basinger genes. Keeping Kelly looking 25 for life.

Nothin' Here is Missing, This is What I Call Living

I’m on a once a month posting schedule. Fail. I’ll blame it on the fact that I’m doing fabulously entertaining things that keep me too busy. That’s an exaggeration folks. But here’s what I’ve been up to since we last spoke, in addition to playing Canaan Smith's "We Got Us" on repeat. Thanks, Cannan, for the title inspiration.

1.  I’ve embraced my girly side. Part of the whole “redefining at 25” thing. I was always labeled the tomboy of the family. Move over sistas…I’m channeling my inner New Yorker with a fatter wallet now that I don’t live in New York to play dress up.

Sock bun.

Fun nails.

2.  A little baby has joined our group. College coaches and newborn girl babies everywhere – REJOICE. Another Basinger has entered the world.

3. Reunited with my best friend, sister and favorite Atlanta girls for a weekend of fun in the dirty south.

4. Cooking. Gasp. Let’s revise this to “cooking”. I’m no Paul Deen, but I’m trying. So far it’s been easy stuff: Asian inspired mango chicken lettuce wraps, sweet potato fries, roasted Brussell sprouts, bbq pulled chicken. That sorta thing. I told Kelly I’ll cook for him if he buys me a puppy. He said yes. He thinks I’m kidding –  I’m not.

 Learn to make them here: http://www.epicurious.com/articlesguides/bestof/toprecipes/bestchickenrecipes/recipes/food/photo/Chicken-Rice-and-Mango-in-Lettuce-Wraps-232487

5.  A healthier outlook on exercise. I will admit that if I don’t work out for three days I automatically assume I’ve gained five pounds. Well I put that to the test after a weekend of binge eating and alcoholic beverages….and no working out. Unless you include dancing. I stepped on the scale and I weighed the same as I did the week before. WINNING. Moral of the story folks, it’s OK to give yourself a few days off now and then.

6. I donated to the American Red Cross yesterday. Then passed out and left work at Noon so I could sleep. The price we pay for saving lives.

Because obviously pizza is the answer to everything.

In case I go all blog delinquent again here’s what’s on tap for me the next few weeks:

1.  Home this weekend for family time and a sister photo shoot for Mommy and Daddy. Move over Kardashians.
2. Giving up candy, cookies, brownies, cake and icecream for Lent. Does Yoforia count as icecream people? Please weigh in.
3.  Research marathons. Yep. That was not a typo. I’m having an affair. I’m cheating on my bike. Running was my first true love. I literally shed happy tears when I completed my first marathon in Virginia Beach in 2009. Without the stress of triathlon I’ve been running wild around Atlanta.

Ok, so that kind of wild, too. But I mean I’ve been running more, no music, no pace clock, just  me and the road and it’s been enchanting. My friend Nichole over at LivefortheRun shared this quote the other day, “Run often and run long, but never outrun your joy of running.” Genius.

4. Training my new puppy that Kelly will most certainly buy me. I just called him and he didn’t pick up. He must be meeting with the breeder now. *A girl can dream*

5.  Kelly and I have started a little tradition. More of a tradition in my mind. I think traditions freak him out. On Sundays we share short-term and long-term goals for the coming week, month, etc. Here are some of mine:

·         Re-learn French. Because at once I was fluent. This is where my French friend will come in real handy. Kim, J’ai besoin de toi.

·         Learn and cook a new recipe once a week.

·         Pay off my credit card.

·         Travel somewhere I’ve been longing to: New York and San Francisco

That’s all for now. Au revoir!

Redefining at 25

Following my own path.

(Wouldn’t be a blog post without a cheesy reference)

When I was three I was a daughter, granddaughter, niece, cousin and little sister.

By five, I was a daughter, granddaughter, niece, cousin, little sister, big sister, friend and swimmer.

In high school I was a daughter, granddaughter, niece, cousin, little sister, big sister, friend, swimmer, student and girlfriend.

During my college years I was a daughter, granddaughter, niece, cousin, little sister, big sister, friend, scholarship swimmer, student, girlfriend, intern and aspiring communications professional.

Most recently I’ve been defined as a daughter, granddaughter, niece, cousin, little sister, big sister, friend, girlfriend, communications professional, elite triathlete, team member, and aspiring to be a stronger Christian.

Where does that leave me? Overwhelmed and under-inspired.

Like many on New Year’s Eve, I went into 2012 saying this year was going to bring “big things”. What I didn’t realize at the time, but quickly discovered in the weeks that followed was “big things” meant redefining who I am at 25. Here are some constants I will always claim with complete bliss:

Daughter + Sister + All around family girl + Someone’s significant other + Christian + Writer + Lover of all things active

A few weeks ago I started to realize that some of the things that used to make me happy, and in a way “define” me, weren’t bringing the same joy they once had. Triathlon, at the level I was competing and training, being one of them. I confided this realization in those closest to me and struggled to come to terms with the fact that happiness is found in redefining with age the things you make priorities. While I have a passion for running and biking that most will never understand I also have a passion for girls’ nights out, fashion, vacation and a desire to be the best girlfriend, friend and family member possible.

With the help of friends I realized this was weighing so heavily on my heart because our society is guilty of requiring clear buckets of definition.

“Hi my name is Meghan. I’m a writer for a nonprofit and an elite triathlete.”

I found a lot of my self-worth in the last bucket, which for most of my life said “swimmer” or “triathlete”…in other terms, I am an athlete.

So what does this mean for me? It means I’m taking control of who I am and what makes me happy, rather than leaning on a talent to define who I am. I love training and will continue to do so without a defined plan and when it fits in with the other things I want to tackle in my lifetime. I love racing – and will still run happily across the finish line of dozens of races to come. I’ll take each day in stride, doing what makes ME happy. Maybe it will mean saying no to a workout so I can dress up and look nice for the manfriend all day long. Or taking vacation to spend it with my family at the beach rather than traveling to a race.

All I know is I’m excited to see what’s ahead. Redefining at 25 is exactly what I needed. And I’m promising myself I’ll do a better job at redefining at 26, 27, 28, 29 and so forth.

Here’s to more smiles this big in 2012.

Disclaimer: I’ve been on blogging hiatus while I’ve been doing some soul searching, but I’m back. This blog will be redefining with me. Stay tuned for more on healthy living, workout stories, fashion from a former self-proclaimed “tomboy” and life in Atlanta.

Time is a Thief I would Rob

Can’t take credit for that title – it’s one of my favorite lines in Lady Antebellum’s “Heart of the World”. I’ve been listening to it on repeat since I bought the CD for my parents so they could properly prepare to rock out at their concert last Sunday. They were successful. Thanks to Daddy for sharing pictures!

The older I get, the sappier I get. Hard to believe since I was pretty emotional by the time I was 12. I love everything about family time at home. Reflecting on Thanksgiving, time is exactly something I could use more of – who couldn’t? Time with loved ones is priceless.

The holidays are always filled with lots of coffee drinking, movie watching, family walks with Bogey, biking and running, icecream eating and so on. There’s always the awkward conversation where the parents and grandparents harass us for our lack of weddings and babies – because who wouldn’t want to add more people to this wonderful clan?

Here is what I’m thankful for this holiday season (in no particular order with the exception of family first)

1.       Family - this includes you, (manfriend) Kelly

We missed you (sister) Kelli (she was off livin' it up in Cozumel, Mexico)

2.       Loved ones’ good health

3.       Friends  (Ashley, Austin, Claudia, Kim, Nichole, Hannah B. to name a few)

4.       My new little cottage…in the city

5.     Washington, D.C. trip in December with Kelly – Holiday Party at the White House. No joke, kids.

Insert us below.

6.       The little baby Basinger on the way – yah for the happy parents Hannah & Brantley

7.       Bogey

8.     Our military

Hi Daddy!

This is what a hero looks like.

9.     My Sport Factory family

He’s literally family. Hey triathlete cuz.

Coach man and my partner in crime at the gym, Tracy.

10.   Faith that 2012 is going to bring lots of love and happiness

Balancing Life is Like Balancing Clipped in at a Red Light

True story: During my first ever big girl triathlon (Yes, I raced IronKids. Silver medalist in Bakersville, Calif. No big deal…) I fell clipped in while coming to a stop outside of transition – here’s the kicker – during warm-up. Thankfully, Kelli was there to help pick me back up. And by pick me back up I mean giggle uncontrollably and offer zero assistance.

Don’t cry for me…triathlon friends. I think it worked in my favor so my fellow competitors didn’t take me seriously and then I laid the smack down on them.

This is when I learned that balancing clipped in on a tri bike is tricky. Thankfully, I’ve gotten better…I also think I’ve improved at balancing life. Earlier today I had a nice chat with the Coach Man. Coach Man likes for me to come to The Sport Factory gym so he can watch/critique my run form, push me outside of my comfort zone on the bike and help me get strong so I don’t lose our regular push-up contests (wishful thinking). While these things are all helpful to my “career” as a triathlete, I have to remember those very important quotes around “career”…cough cough. Ladies and gentlemen, maybe one day I’ll race professionally, but it won’t be paying any bills.

I LOVE racing, training, The Sport Factory, my teammates and Coach Man. But, I also really really love my family, Kelly, my career and my “me time”. It’s all about setting goals and having priorities. In my life my family and Kelly trump my training (within reason – the manfriend is very supportive of my long workouts, most likely because it allows him to go play golf guilt-free). And my career obligations take priority to sneaking in an extra hour on the bike. I love my job – I’m surrounded my talented people and I get to do something I love…WRITE.

I’m slowly figuring out this balance thing…but in the meantime I think my sport needs to change from Swim.Bike.Run. to Family.Swim.Boyfriend.Bike.Career.Run. I think with the perfect mix of it all I’ll be able to stay clipped in even at the longest red lights.

As I was writing this Coach Man emailed me my next block of workouts and said "more well-rounded athletes have longer 'legs' in this sport".

Cheers to being well-rounded!

The Boys Say I Run Like A Girl, I Say "Thanks"

“A woman is a warrior too. But she is meant to be a warrior in a uniquely feminine way."

 - an excerpt from Captivating

For as long as I can remember I have always faced some sort of criticism for working out too much. In highschool, friends would question my motives for heading home early from a football game in preparation for an early morning swim practice, and to this day I can still feel whispers around me implying that maybe I run a little too much. Swimming, biking and running is where I find strength. It's where I feel most "me".

Thanks to one of my closest friends I started re-reading Captivating by John Eldredge last night. It’s one of my favorites – and I highly recommend it to any woman who is looking to better understand why she is the way she is – and how God designed her to tick in a unique and very feminine manner.

Men – this is a public service announcement for you. Read Captivating. Read it for your wife, girlfriend, mother, sister. Read it for yourself because it will most definitely save you some stress later in life when you can apply the teachings to why the women in your life are reacting to something differently than you would.

Anyways, bear with me. Since athletics plays a huge role in my life I couldn’t help but somehow connect the two. Captivating also discusses the beauty of women, which brings me to one of my favorite quotes:

Let’s be clear. I’m not saying every woman should desire to run a marathon, complete an Ironman or be a professional tennis player. But haven’t we all felt that complete feeling of euphoria when you push your body to the limits? That feeling of finishing your first long run in a half-marathon training plan, enjoying a long walk with a friend or conquering your first yoga class. How about waking up in the morning sore after your first weight lifting workout? Women are capable of amazing things. God made us to have babies for goodness sake! Our bodies are truly unique, beautiful and strong. I believe that while God encourages us to enjoy all the yummy food that this world has to offer (Dear God, thank you for white chocolate covered Oreos), He also challenges us to enjoy the strength our bodies are capable of.

Strong and beautiful comes in all different shapes and sizes, with all different athletic goals. It’s taking the beautiful body you were given and allowing it to reach its highest potential. On the race course I’ve adopted this mantra,” When I stand before God at the end of my life, I hope I don’t have a single bit of talent left. I can look at Him and say, ‘I used EVERYTHING You gave me’.”

People always argue that women are universally accepted as having more beautiful bodies. Cue all the historic paintings of naked women. There is nothing more marvelous than a strong, fierce, uniquely beautiful woman. I hope all women realize the strength they are capable of and marvel in the beauty that comes with that vigor.